International Day of Education

Pursuing sustainable development to improve human lives and preserve our planet now and into the future is a vital collective endeavor redefining all aspects of how society lives, works and interacts.  Among many other things, this evolution will not happen without science and innovation. It is therefore essential to stimulate interest for science and to provide students with an access to the latest technologies, thanks to 3D virtual universes, preparing them to be the thinkers, inventors, builders and leaders of future generations for a more sustainable world.

When the International Research Agency¹ studied how students in seven countries responded to life science taught with 3D materials, the results were astounding. Compared to students taught the same information with lectures, reading and 2D imagery, students in the 3D classes learned more, remembered it longer, and applied their learnings in advanced ways their peers could not. Students who had disliked school became eager to attend and discuss what they’d learned. Suddenly, science was a fun experience everyone wanted to share.

Students in the study responded because 3D virtual universes combine theory, experimentation and imagination to offer more than traditional books, lectures, whiteboards and research laboratories ever could: a digital, realistic world that makes learning and experimentation easier and richer. Equipped with accurate 3D models of the real world and the know-how to use them, today’s students will be better prepared for tomorrow’s real-world experiences, and researchers will be empowered to find better answers to difficult challenges more quickly.

Giving students and researchers access to and training in 3D technology has never been more imperative. Over the past three decades, 3D technology has permeated virtually every global industry, becoming the standard for how businesses design, simulate, test, manufacture and improve products that range from commercial airplanes to runway fashions. Delivered via the cloud, 3D also enables businesses to collaborate across boundaries, facilitating innovation regardless of location, language, or discipline, both inside and outside an organization.

While industry has forged ahead, however, education and science have lagged, lacking the experience, knowledge and funding to apply 3D to their fields. To close this gap, Dassault Systèmes – the 3DEXPERIENCE Company and world leader in 3D design software – has established La Fondation Dassault Systèmes, dedicated to transforming the future of education and research by harnessing the powerful learning and discovery capabilities of 3D technology and virtual universes, which enable unlimited experimentations simulating the real world which otherwise would not be possible.

La Fondation is managed through three organizations located in Europe, in India and in the USA. All branches fund innovative projects proposed by academics, researchers, museums and other non-profits; endow professorships; co-create educational content; share skill and knowledge of Dassault Systèmes people in applying 3D virtual universes to education and research; and ultimately instill a spark around science and technologies for future generations.

Grants from La Fondation Dassault Systèmes enable recipients to expand the boundaries of education and research by developing 3D content specific to their fields. Content created through these grants also helps to encourage greater interest among students in the vital disciplines of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

La Fondation Dassault Systèmes leverages the power of experience to transform learning and discovery, and ultimately stretch the limits of knowledge for the benefit of all. Businesses everywhere look to employ people with strong abilities. So the ultimate goal of La Fondation is to help make people successful in their future work lives, enabling them to contribute to a sustainable world and to the evolution of society.

To learn more or submit a project for consideration, please visit: https://www.lafondation3ds.org/

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

¹  “The 3D in Education White Paper,” International Research Agency, 2011.